Sep 26, 2007

Iran Gay Free

On a national note, in the news saying that "apparently, Iran is a homosexual-free zone, if you listen to their President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad." Now, TV talk shows and radio programs are feasting on this recent turn of events. These programs are now saying that the 'lack' of any homosexuals would explain Ahmadinejad's terrible haircut and badly put together outfit.

On a website's transcript of Iran president's speech at the Columbia University in the US, he reportedly commented on alleged executions of homosexuals in his country. He said, "In Iran we don't have homosexuals like in your country. We don't have that like in your country. ... In Iran we do not have this phenomenon. I don't know who's told you that we have this."

Puhleez! For real? I have been to the Middle East and there are so many stories to tell.

The President is obviously in denial, about a lot of things... homosexuality included. He isn't an accurate respresentation of his people. However, he did say a lot in defense of the nuclear development program and his views of peace that was worth listening to (in a lot more eloquent terms than our own current president). It's too bad that this was overshadowed by his ignorance regarding homosexuality.

The homosexuality comment made up about 20 seconds of his entire forum. I personally feel it was slightly misinterpreted. I watched the entire forum last night (an unedited version). I have read interviews and backstories on him and seen him in two other interviews. He appears to be a very intelligent man. Many people's preconcieved notions of who he is and what he believes in stem from misreported facts, spin, items taken out of context, etc.

I laughed at each and everyone of the questions that were asked of him after his speech. Each question was phrased with an attack and laced with information that may have not been accurate. I love the fact that he took a deep breath and entertained the questions none the less.

He was cordial, eloquent and poised. I often wonder how we as a country can so easily and blindly accept what mainstream media pumps out as truth. I also wonder why it is so hard for people to remove themselves from their own comfort zone and try and see things from another person's point of view.

Remember the US a few years back had slaves, committed hateful crimes against them, did not condone homosexuality, had massive amounts of crimes including death against homosexuals, aided iraq in administering the use of chemical weapons on iran, back isreal with support in a fight against the palistinian people, the only country to ever use a nuclear weapon in combat (not once but twice), continues to develop nuclear arms and test them, still has the death penalty and utilizes it, there are places in the U.S. in which homsexual acts are illegal and can be punished by inprisonment and fines, the list goes on and on.

Regarding the Homosexuality question, here is how our US Military sees homosexuality:

"US MilitaryStatute: US Code Title 10, Section 47, Subchaper X, Sec. 925. Art. 125. Sodomy. Penalty: Court Martial Classification: FelonyRestrictions: None Enforcement: 106 members of the armed services were discharged during the 2000 fiscal year that ended September 30, 2000, for homosexual acts according to the Pentagon.

(a) Any person subject to this chapter who engages in unnatural carnal copulation withanother person of the same or opposite sex or with an animal is guilty of sodomy.Penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete the offense.

(b) Any person found guilty of sodomy shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. "

Major case of pot calling the kettle black? Chime in. Lets try and keep this related to the issue at hand and not turn it into another "you are anonymous so it doesn't matter" debate.